By Spencer Sterritt

Black History Month officially begins in Nanaimo

Feb 4, 2017 | 7:52 AM

NANAIMO — Black History Month has begun in Nanaimo.

In the opening ceremony mayor Bill McKay read the proclamation at the Nanaimo North Library.

Organizer Shalema Gantt said even though we live in Canada, which has a much different history than the United States in regards to civil rights and black history, it’s still an important aspect of our lives.

“When you talk about black history, a lot of people don’t understand even know about a lot of the history,” she said.

Earlier in the day, self-published author Angela Riley from Victoria read her book Introducing Sophia Firecracker to youth.

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She said inspiration for the work came from her own experience as a young black girl curious about her heritage and what it meant to be black.

“I wrote that book to show other young black girls and boys, who are looking for an adventure, to show them we’re here and we exist in Canada and our lives are important too.”

This year, Black History Month events are also fundraisers for schools in Haiti.

Gantt said she was inspired after hearing stories about Haiti from a friend who had visited.

“We’re not a wealthy society or anything but if we can give anything back…I want to use some of our funds we raise this year to give towards that school.”

Their next event is a revival gospel and jazz show on Feb. 19.

Gantt said they expect their events to sell out once again this year and was optimistic about the amount they can raise to help Haiti.

Spencer.sterritt@jpbg.ca